Israel Developing a New Version of the Arrow Missile

Israel Aerospace Industries is developing a new version of the “Arrow” missile that will be quicker and more accurate.

By Elad Benari

First Publish: 9/13/2013, 3:15 AM

Arrow 3

IDF Photo

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is developing a new version of the “Arrow” missile that will be quicker and more accurate than its predecessors, an official said Thursday, according to Kol Yisrael radio.

Speaking at a program as part of the annual Researchers’ Night at Tel Aviv University, the director of the Arrow 3 program at the IAI, Inbal Kreis, said that the new missile system will be able to intercept ballistic missiles at high altitudes, far beyond the borders of Israel.

In February, the Ministry of Defense successfully carried out a flight test of the Arrow 3, in conjunction with the U.S. Missile Defense Agency.

The Arrow 3, which is supposed to be an improved version of the Arrow 2 system, is part of the multi-layer defense system that is intended to protect the state of Israel, which also includes the Iron Dome system and the Magic Wand system.

Iron Dome deals primarily with short range missiles, and has proven to be very successful, especially during last year’s Operation Pillar of Defense, when it was able to intercept 84% of the rockets and missiles fired at Israel by Gaza terrorists. Magic Wand will deal with the medium-range threat.

Development of the Arrow 3 is expected to take two more years, whereas Magic Wand is due to become operational in 2014.

The previous generation of Arrow missiles became operational use 13 years ago and batteries are placed in different places throughout Israel.